Boston College Eagles vs Florida State Seminoles Picks and Predictions February 1st 2025

Boston College Searching for First Win Since New Year’s Day

The Boston College Eagles (9-11, 1-8 ACC) are desperate to end their six-game losing streak as they host Florida State (13-8, 4-6 ACC) in a key ACC matchup on Saturday.

Boston College hasn’t won since a 78-68 victory over Miami on Jan. 1. Since then, the Eagles have struggled, losing four games by 18 or more points.

Their most recent loss, a 102-96 overtime battle at North Carolina, showed glimpses of promise, especially on offense. The Eagles made a season-high 14 three-pointers in that game despite missing forward Elijah Strong (10.5 PPG) for the third straight contest due to illness.

Coach Earl Grant Optimistic About Small-Ball Lineup

With Strong out, BC has adopted a four-guard lineup, which has helped offensively but made rebounding a major challenge.

“We wanted inside-out threes,” said head coach Earl Grant after the UNC game. “We made the right play. Made the shots. But we really have to work at getting rebounds because it’s four guards—you don’t have a big guy.”

BC’s top scorers include:

• Donald Hand Jr. (14.8 PPG) – The team’s leading scorer and top outside shooter.
• Chad Venning (13.0 PPG) – Provides an interior presence despite the Eagles’ guard-heavy approach.
• Jaeden Zackery (9.7 PPG, 4.2 APG) – The floor general who helps create opportunities for the offense.

If the Eagles continue shooting well from deep and can compete on the glass, they’ll have a chance to pull off a much-needed win.

Florida State Hoping to End Three-Game Skid

Florida State enters this matchup looking to reverse its own struggles, having lost three straight games.

The Seminoles never led in their last game, a 76-66 loss at Virginia Tech on Wednesday. Leading scorer Jamir Watkins (18.1 PPG) was held to just nine points, a rare off night for the dynamic guard.

Coach Leonard Hamilton Calls for Toughness

Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton wants his team to regain its aggressive identity, especially on defense.

“We’ve shown from time to time that we really have that toughness and aggressiveness,” Hamilton said. “But we’ve lost that mentality the last three games. We have to find a way to get it back.”

The Seminoles’ biggest concerns heading into Saturday:

• Road Struggles: Florida State is just 1-5 in true road games this season.
• Defensive Slippage: The Seminoles allowed 76+ points in three straight losses, a major departure from their typical defensive intensity.
• Rebounding: With Boston College going small, Florida State has an opportunity to control the boards and generate second-chance points.

Key Matchups to Watch

Donald Hand Jr. vs. Jamir Watkins

• Hand (14.8 PPG) has been BC’s most consistent offensive player, especially from deep.
• Watkins (18.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG) is the Seminoles’ top scorer and playmaker.
• Whichever guard dictates the offensive tempo could tilt the game in their team’s favor.

Boston College’s Shooting vs. Florida State’s Defense

• BC made 14 threes vs. UNC but has been inconsistent from deep this season.
• Florida State’s defense has been slipping, allowing 76+ points in three straight games.
• If BC can repeat its UNC shooting performance, it could have the edge at home.

Florida State’s Size vs. BC’s Small-Ball Approach

• Without Elijah Strong, BC is relying on a four-guard lineup that struggles on the boards.
• Florida State has a chance to dominate inside and control second-chance points.

Prediction: Can BC Snap the Losing Streak?

This is a crucial game for both teams as they attempt to break out of their respective losing streaks.

• Boston College’s hot shooting vs. UNC was a positive sign, but can they sustain it?
• Florida State’s defense has regressed, but their size and athleticism could overwhelm BC’s small-ball lineup.

Final Score Prediction:

Florida State 72, Boston College 68

BC keeps it close at home, but Florida State’s rebounding and physicality give them the edge late.

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Final Thoughts

• Will BC’s small-ball lineup hold up against FSU’s size advantage?
• Can Florida State recapture its defensive identity?
• Who wins the battle between Donald Hand Jr. and Jamir Watkins?

Both teams desperately need a win, making this an intriguing ACC showdown to watch.